When it comes to motorsport, there’s an undeniable air of admiration for late Barry Sheene. Few riders make it to legend status, but British-born Sheene was exactly that.

Making a name for himself both on and off the track, the cheeky Cockney was loved by the public. With a personality that shone through in his racing, and two premier class world titles to his name, ‘Baz’ is remembered now as much as ever.

With an unapologetic playboy lifestyle, we’re certain that Sheene is having quite the party up there.  The number seven brought widespread popularity to motorcycle racing and fans, friends and family now take to social media to show their appreciation and share their fond memories of an icon gone too soon.

Suzi Perri: Barry would have been 70 today. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

Steve Parrish: Never forgotten, it would’ve been Bazza’s birthday today! The man that inspired so many of us.

Richard Coles: Barry Sheene would have been seventy today. I saw him ride at Silverstone in the mid 70s. He was my hero *sighs*

Greg Rust: Happy 70th Baz. Bet there’s all sorts of pandemonium & practical gags goin on up there. Regards, Thrusta – the nickname he gave me for always marching up pitlane to chase the story during a broadcast… a nickname I’m bloody proud of!

Dougie Brimson: My sporting hero. Saw him race in the old Transatlantic series and he never disappointed.

Paul-Henri Cahier: The legendary Barry Sheene was born 70 years ago today. Died way too young. I took a photo of Sheene followed like a shadow by his arch-rival Kenny Roberts in Silverstone, 1979, in what remains as one of the most epic battles in the history of motorcycle racing.

John Toscano: Today would’ve been Barry Sheene’s 70^th birthday. He was always a jovial, knockabout fun lad around the paddock.

Russell Ingall: It’s hard to believe it would have been Baz’s 70^th birthday today. Having a drink with Freddie and Steph in celebration of the great man and reliving a few old stories. Even after all this time, we still miss him. Cheers Baz.

Clive Parkinson: Try and live your life like Barry Sheene and it will be full. #7 #70

Manny Singh Kahn: A British Hero. As a school kid, I always thought he had a Hollywood type appeal and his brave riding style lived up to it .

Lexxy: He was ace, even the Coppers when they stopped you used to say, “Who do you think you are lad, Barry Sheene?”

Neil Dingwall: I was 6 yrs old, crawled under his caravan as everyone was going mad for a sight of him. Barry picked me up and called to the crowd “who’s boy is this?” My parents were mortified… I was chuffed

Barry Shipley: One of my dad’s idols! I was given the name and share his birthday by coincidence! #legend

David Gannon: One early cold morning on my walk to work I saw Barry in his massive motor home driving through Stafford Town Centre, he was stuck at traffic lights and gave me a wave…. never forget that.

Steven Sales: Happy Birthday to the man that changed the face of motorcycle racing forever. Mr Barry Sheene!!

Dave Foster: He got me into motorbikes that’s for sure. The smell of 2 stroke as a kid was addictive and riding a 50cc moped imagining you were Barry Sheene, cornering at 10mph thinking you were doing 100mph

Jonathan Roch: As a school kid I used to write my 7’s with a line through it, just like on Barry Sheens race bike. Thought it was so cool!

Mary J Indge: Superheroes wore racing helmets in our house. Not capes! We had photos of this legend on our walls growing up… #barrysheene

Mr T: Once in a lifetime character, such a pleasure to have known him. From Gatwick to the Gold Coast and lot of places in between, the racing world was a good place when Barry was around.

Photo credit: Lawson Speedway